Saturday, December 24, 2011

Turning 13...

Turning 13 is a HUGE deal and for her birthday this year Cassidy wanted to have a make-up party. We invited the neighborhood Mary Kay lady to come and do make-up for all the girls. They also had their nails done by all the older girls there and they all had a great time.

What a great party for a 13 year old!! Fun, fun.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Turning One...


Sweet little Anna Grace turned one today and like every other one year old, at first she wasn't too sure about this big cake sitting in front of her. It didn't take long though for her to realize she could eat this thing and it was GOOD.





Anna's Toy Box...

I can hardly believe Anna Grace is turning one already. Seems just the other day Chris walked out of the operating room with her in his arms and took her to the nursery for all of us to goo-goo over.

David (Pop) has made each of the grandkids a toy box when they turned one year old and this is the one he did for Anna. I think he did a great job on it. I designed the letters for him on my Silhouette machine and he even cut those out by hand and sanded them down. He put lots of work into this project for our newest granddaughter.



Thursday, December 15, 2011

Where'd He Get His Talent...

Not sure where Drew got any musical talent from, but he sure didn't get it from our side of the family. As far as I know, no one in our family has ever played any type of instrument.


We are proud of you, Drew, for pursuing your talent.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Happy 13th Birthday, Darla Dawg...

Man, it seems like just a few years ago I got Darla as a Christmas present for David. We had lost our prior dog, Shadow, and I thought the time was right to get another one.
Darla was born on November 09, 1998 and we got her on January 11, 1999. I used to take her to work with me at European Home Collection and keep her in my office with me until we got her potty trained.
She has been, and still is, the best little dog for us. She is sweet, loving and all the things you want your pet to be. I guess as I watch her now with Anna Grace I see the same things I saw 13 years ago when Cassidy was just a baby. Wherever the baby is, that's where you will find Darla giving her "famous" puppy kisses. She did it to Cassidy and now she is doing the same to Anna Grace.
One thing about Darla is that she is so very loyal. Every night when I take a bath she lays on my shoes right beside the tub. Everytime I am upstairs in my scrapbook room, she is right under my chair, and at night when David and I are watching TV, she is laying on the ottoman beside us. When the lights go out she goes into our room. When she was a young pup she would jump up on the bed and take her "spot", but now she has to wait for us to lift her up to the bed.
Although she is 13 years old, she is still very much a puppy at times. David and I both marvel at how she still runs around and has so much energy.
Happy Birthday Darla Dawg....you're the BEST.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Growing Up Way Too Fast...


She is just so adorable. I know you think I am saying that just because I am her grandmother, but, it is so true. She is beautiful, sweet and growing up way too fast. I love you sweet Anna Grace.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Crazy Hair Day...


Nothing left to say except it was "Crazy Hair Day" at school for Cassidy & Jacob! Fun...

Friday, October 21, 2011

6 Grandchildren Make a Happy Gram...




Our trip to North Carolina in the Fall was beautiful, but the best part was we had all 6 of our grandchildren, two sons, and both daughters-in-law with us. What a fantastic few days we had!

Monday, July 4, 2011

What a Hummer...



You just never know what you will see when you look out at our hummingbird feeder. Some days there may be a little hummingbird, or maybe even two, chasing each other around and trying to claim the feeder as their own. Some days we have looked out and seen a downy woodpecker on the feeder.
But never have we seen a red-headed woodpecker the size of this one on the feeder. I guess he was thirsty and this was the best water he could find.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Fun While it Lasted...



Usually I help out with VBS at our church, but this year I opted out. Now, I wasn't exactly playing hooky from helping, I just had something else to do. You see, Chris and Melodie were doing all the technical stuff at VBS and couldn't take the baby, so guess who got to babysit all week.
I must say, we have had an exciting week and I am getting pretty darn good at bathing and feeding cereal. At the start of the week she would have her cereal all over her and everything close to her. Last night when I fed her she did so good we didn't even have any on her clothes.
Tonight is family night at VBS so Anna will get to go with the rest of the family...it was fun while it lasted!!!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

My Sisters Family...



Well, I did it again. This time I made "stick people" for my sisters car. This is her family as it stands today. The old folks and their two dogs, Sugar & Spice.
I love being creative!!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Relay for Life...Remembering Sandie


Sandie's parents, two sisters, niece Kristen, David and I, Chris and Melodie and the three kids, Crissy and her two children, and Aunt Wanda all went to Shelbyville for the Relay for Life in honor of Sandie. It was a great night being able to do something for Sandie and remebering her laughter and smiles and the joy she brought to all of us. It was a sad night because she is no longer here to share the laughter, smiles and joy with us



I'm not sure how much walking we actually did...some walked more than others but it was nice to be walking for something that was for a great cause. There was a really nice service at 9:00 pm when they turned off all the lights and lit all the candles in remebrance of the loved ones lost to cancer. There was a moment of silence for all to reflect on their individual loved ones and then several people spoke. After that several others spoke of the importance of regular checkups for all types of cancer and melanoma was mentioned specifically as the deadliest of all. They warned everyone to be cautious in the sun and to use sunscreen protection.


I was extremely proud of Cassidy as she got on the computer and created the banners she and Jacob were wearing. Both of them hold a special place in their hearts for their Aunt Sandie.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Just Married...


As most of you know, I love, love my Silhouette cutting machine. I made this little car and lettering for Greg and Leslie's car while they were gone on their honeymoon.
Since I am not the most creative person, I thought it turned out really cute.

Now mind you, I had NO part in the decorating. The culprits for that were the three pictured below...Jacob, Drew and Cassidy. They did have a little help from Pop and Chris while us girls looked on.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

From This Day Forward...




On this day, May 18, 2011, Greg and Leslie became Mr. & Mrs. on the beautiful island of St. Lucia.
The only way this day could have been any better was if I could have been there to see this event in person. However, due to the wishes of the bride and groom, they preferred to do this alone and we were happy to honor their wishes.
Looking now at their pictures, I can see how in love they are and what a beautiful and romantic setting it was for the two of them. Our family is very happy for the two of them and we welcome Leslie, Landon and Jade into our family with open arms and love.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Greg Horton!! We love you...

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Just Two More Weeks...



Two weeks from tomorrow Greg and Leslie will be wed on the beautiful island of St. Lucia. We are very happy for the two of them and wish them everything wonderful in their lives.
The two of them are building a beautiful new home for their family of five...which means we will be gaining two more grandchildren, taking our total to six. Very exciting for us.
Leslie is not only a blessing for Greg and Drew, but she is also a blessing to our entire family. She is a wonderful girl and we will be proud to have her as the newest member of our family and our "daughter".

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Easter Blessings...


I was truly blessed this Easter to be able to work with the youth at our church in presently an Easter drama. I am so proud of all of them for the great job they did.

After church we headed home and prepared an Easter dinner of turkey and all the trimmings for all our family. It was a gorgeous day here in Tennessee and we enjoyed the day, the meal together and our family being all together. Praise God for sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Spring Is Here...finally!!


After thinking spring would never get here, it finally arrived. This has got to be my favorite season of the year with everything in bloom. This year our dogwood tree was just covered in blooms and beautiful.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Words of Wisom...

I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.

I'm guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.

Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.

Even those are not words I wrote myself, they are very true. Thank you Bettye for sending this to me...we should all heed this advice.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Looking Back...



As I was sitting here thinking of the beautiful weather here in Tennessee today, it made me think back to April 10, 2009, when we had a terrible tornado roll through our state. The devastation was so widespread and two lives were lost...although they certainly are not forgotten.
As we walked on the greenway a few weeks ago we came across the spot where the tornado crossed the trail. They have put in a memorial marker that tells about that terrible storm on that day and it will always remind us of how blessed we are each and every day. Sometimes we forget to thank God for our everyday blessings.
When God pilots your ship, you need never fear storms.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Cousins and Friends...


Cassidy is so excited she will be gaining a new cousin in just a few more weeks. Of course, she's not the only one...we are all very excited. Although many changes come about in our lives, one thing is for sure...God will take those changes and turn them into something beautiful just as he has done in this case.

Monday, April 4, 2011

It's In The Jeans...



I just couldn't resist posting this picture of Anna Grace in her first pair of jeans. We went to a dinner at church where we all dressed western, so Melodie just had to get her a pair of jeans to wear. I guess I might be a little prejudice, but I think she is just the cutest baby this side of Texas!!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

So Far It Is Green...


For all of you who have voted for Drew's contacts color....so far GREEN is in the lead. I will keep you posted on what he decides.
This picture of him was taken on his 13th birthday a couple of weeks ago...he is really growing up. I know Sandie looks down on him from above every day with love and is proud of the young man he has become...After all, God doesn't make junk!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Help Drew Decide..





When you are 13 everything seems to be very important...even the color of your eyes. Drew just got colored contacts and is trying to decide which color he likes best. Please let us know which color you think looks best with these gorgeous lashes of his. The top photo is green, then dark blue, followed by a lighter blue.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Bittersweet...




Today is a little bittersweet, as it is moving day for Greg and Drew. I am so happy for both of them as they begin a new adventure in their life. Greg will be getting married to Leslie on May 20 and they are building a beautiful new home on 5 acres of property. We are very blessed that Leslie has come into their lives and that they will be starting a new life together. That is the sweet part.

The bitter part is that the home he is moving from is where he and Sandie lived together until he lost her to melanoma. I know he will never forget Sandie and the love he felt for her, but with time and Gods help the wounds do heal. We are thrilled that Greg and Drew will be starting this new life with Leslie, Landon and Jade.

When God pilots your ship, you need never fear storms and I believe God has put Leslie into Greg and Drew's life for a reason.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

It's Good To Be Home...


Sometimnes we mumble and grumble about the everyday things in our lives without actually realizing just how very lucky we are. While on a recent trip to Florida, it was not unlikely to pay anywhere from $3.57 to $3.63 for a gallon of gas. As I was driving here in Murfreesboro the other day, it just dawned on me how lucky I was to be living here. Gas prices are much less here than in Florida and so are many other things that we take for granted each day. So as I was looking through all my pictures on my computer today and saw this one I thanked God for the privilege of living in this great state of Tennessee.

I don't always start out each day with a smile. In fact, today I am kinda grumpy because I have a really bad sore throat and my back hurts for some reason. But, even though I didn't start today out with a smile, it is not too early to start practicing for tomorrow. Have a beautiful and blessed day.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

What a Difference 3 Months Can Make...




I can hardly believe three months have gone by since our beautiful granddaughter, Anna Grace, was born. She is turning into quite the "chubby" little baby now and getting so much personality. She will smile at you and actually laugh out loud. It is so funny when she starts laughing like that...you just can't help but laugh back at her.

Who knew life could be this good.